US House of Representatives passes amendment restricting sale of F-16s, modernization kits, to Turkey
In a 244-179 vote, the US House of Representatives adopted an amendment that would restrict the ability of the Biden Administration to sell or transfer F-16s and modernization kits to Turkey.
The amendment received support from both Democrats (184) and Republicans (60).
House Representative Frank Pallone tweeted about his speech regarding the amendment and said: "We cannot allow Erdogan to continue using Turkey's NATO status to avoid consequences for his actions."
I spoke on the House floor to offer an amendment that just passed and would prohibit the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey without certification from Congress.
— Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) July 14, 2022
We cannot allow Erdogan to continue using Turkey's NATO status to avoid consequences for his actions. pic.twitter.com/hZoEHX7YmH
The amendment requires the Biden Administration to certify that selling the warplanes is critical for US national security.
Along with previous statements from Senate Foreign Relations Chair Bob Menendez, who must sign off on the sale of the jets to Turkey, this latest hurdle makes it difficult for the Biden Administration to move forward with the sale.